bangladesh Showed tremendous clinical all-round performance ireland Win by an innings and 47 runs, take 1-0 lead in opening Test at Sylhet International Cricket Stadium two match seriesFrom disciplined bowling to superb batting, the hosts controlled every session to register one of their most spectacular Test wins in recent years,
Ireland collapsed after winning the toss and batting first
Ireland chose to bat first but failed to find any rhythm. Despite some promising starts, it was bowled out for 286 runs.Captain Andy Balbirnie, opening the innings, was out for a duck – another unwanted mark added to his name as he broke the record for most dismissals for Ireland in Test cricket,
Bangladesh’s bowling unit produced a collective effort, with each bowler contributing to important successes. The Irish middle order attempted to put up resistance, but regular wickets prevented any significant partnerships from being formed.
Mahmudul Hasan Joy and Nazmul Hossain Shanto led Bangladesh’s big reply
In reply, Bangladesh posted a big score and declared with a lead of 301 runs in the first innings, putting Ireland immediately on the backfoot. The batting effort was headlined by opener Mahmudul Hasan Joy, who displayed impeccable flair and timing to score a career-best 171 runs.
Captain Nazmul Hossain Shanto continued his exceptional form by scoring a brilliant century to take Bangladesh ahead strongly. Although the Irish bowling attack struggled, young Matthew Humphreys produced a memorable performance by taking five wickets and providing the visitors with one of the few positives in a difficult innings.
Andrew Balbirnie had to drop down the order in Ireland’s second innings due to injury.
Ireland’s troubles were further compounded when captain Balbirnie was unable to bat in the second innings after suffering a finger injury while fielding. Coming in at number eight, he showed spirit with a fighting innings of 38, but the deficit proved too much.
All-rounder Andy McBrine scored a brilliant half-century, but Ireland remained far from threatening the hosts. The visiting team occupied the crease for only 297 minutes and scored 254 runs before being bowled out.
Debutant Hasan Murad shines, Bangladesh wins by innings
Bangladesh’s spin attack took center stage in the last innings. Debutant Hasan Murad emerged as the destroyer in charge, taking 4 wickets in 14 overs with impressive control and maturity. His performance capped a strong Test debut and highlighted Bangladesh’s growing depth in slow bowling options.
Ireland’s poor performance under pressure and inability to build long partnerships proved costly and Bangladesh easily won the match.
“I think we are really happy with the way everyone performed in this match. Especially the opening partnership, it was tremendous. I hope they continue that in the next match as well.” Bangladesh captain Shanto said in the post-match presentation.
“It’s not that we wanted a spin-friendly wicket. We wanted a sporting wicket and that’s what we got.” He added. “Even after three or four days, the wicket is still looking quite good.”
